The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1887-07-07
the NEW CONSTITUTION
Adopted by the knights OF Labor Some of Its
- - ---, Features.

| ~ -r ..H,. Features.
| PHILADELPHIA, June 2S.-By returns
| made to the general headquarters of the
knights of Labor this morning, the new
constitution of the order, embodying many
important changes, has been adopted by
about three-fourths vote. A clause pro
viding for the formation of national trade
assemblies, sent out separately from the
constitution and voted upon by tho zeal
assemblies throughout the order, has also
been adopted by nearly the same vote The
new constitution will be promulgated by
the general executive board in very few
days and will go into effect Immediately
after its promulgation
An analysis of the vote shows that nearly
| onc-half of the local assemblies that opposed
| the adoption of the new constitution did so
| on account of section 325, which reads:
No local or other assembly or mcmber
SHALL directly or indirectly, give, sell or
have any ale, beer, or Intoxicating liquors
OF any kind at any meeting, party, sociablc,
ball, picnic or entertainment, whatever ap-
pertaining to the order. Any member
found guilty of violating this law shall be
suspended not less than six months or eX
PEELED No fine shall be imposed for this
otfensc. Any local or other assembly 50
offending shall be suspended during the
pleasure of the general executive board, or
| oi'''ii iiofS llS SlAitl JCl lCNoNCl DJ SilNt
board"
Nearly every assembly composed solely
! of Gcrma2ls voted against this clause, and
, therefore yainst the whole.
, / The article on cooperation was adopted
unanimously. 1t is quite lengthy, and
provides for the creation and disbursement
= of fund TO aid cooperative enterprises.
Each local assembly is required to collect
and deposit sum not less than two cents
per month for every member in good stand
s ing. The money is to be invested by tho
= cooperative board, and the profits arc tC
Q be divided equally between the general as
y SCmbly, the cooperative fund and the
It wOrkmcn who create the profit.
IS The new constitution gives the genera
?, executive board full power to settle al
v strikes and disputes, whether sanctioned
Il ny the board or not, and it increases tn,
\ powers Of the general board in many othc;
v particulars. Hereafter each district, state
= national or unattached local assembly, shul
=, be entitled to one delegate to each 5000
, members. The term of Office, over whiCl
Il there has been SO much controversy, ha!
been fixed at two Years. Compensation
Ii hereafter will be fixed by the general as
u scmbly when an officer is elected The
T.; national trade assembly clause is probably
q the Ostimportant Of the changes. 1t pro
vt vidCS that:
Q ANY particular trade or calling may
q form national trade assembly by giving
o ut least three months notice to each loca
| assembly, the entire membership of whicl
t is composed of such trade, to attend a con
4 vcntiOn for the purpose Of forming a na
, tiOnal trade assembly,
;, At least twothrd. Of the local asscmbic
Z must vote III favor of the trade assembly
- aud not less than ten assemblies, il there bt
+ that number i'll the order, may receive
| charter. Section three of the article is nO
u very strong, however, rs il still leaves tho
% matter in the hands Of the general cXccu
+ tive board, which. if the law has been com
Il piled with, may instruct the general sccrc
: tary to issue Il charter. Votes will be re
s cclNrd until July 10Th and recorded
t although the new constitution will be il
l. effect some time before that, probably
u about July 1st.